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Eurotunnel and CargoBeamer have signed a joint partnership and announced the launch of a new, fully unaccompanied rail freight service through the Channel from Calais to Ashford. A second connection from Domodossola to Ashford is set to follow in October.
(Leipzig/Calais) The expansion of the combined transport route from Perpignan to Ashford is a logical step in the development of a future international network of combined transport connections between the Channel and the Mediterranean. A second line from Domodossola in the Alpine region to Calais will also be extended to Ashford after its launch in early October. Both new rail connections will save 8,000 tons of CO2 emissions[1] to support the goal of decarbonizing freight transport and strengthening it through a shift to rail. Furthermore, unaccompanied rail freight represents an important solution to the shortage of truck drivers in the United Kingdom and Europe, as well as the congestion on highways.
First CargoBeamer Connection to Great Britain
The new offering is based on the complementary expertise of both companies. Eurotunnel brings not only the speed, flexibility, and reliability of its shuttles but also its expertise in smooth border crossings. CargoBeamer provides its customers with the advantages of commercial and logistical expertise thanks to combined transport connections from Perpignan and Domodossola.
Christian Dufermont, Commercial Director Freight at Eurotunnel, explains: “The signing of this partnership confirms our commercial strategy in the freight sector and is concrete evidence of our customers’ growing interest in an unaccompanied service across the Channel that contributes to the decarbonization of their logistics chains and increases flexibility.”
Environmentally Friendly Connection Between Mainland and GB is Important
Nicolas Albrecht, Chief Business Development Officer of CargoBeamer, adds: “For us, the collaboration between Eurotunnel and CargoBeamer is another important step in developing new routes around our recently opened terminal in Calais. An environmentally friendly connection between the European mainland and Great Britain by rail is of utmost importance for our goal of reducing the CO2 footprint in the logistics industry.”
[1] Based on a number of two trains per week compared to transport by road and ferry between Perpignan and Ashford via Sheerness.
Photo: © CargoBeamer
